Can someone give me the insiders about strut bearings...what kinda noises do they make when they're going, and such. I would also like to know about the install, if its hard or time consuming. Is it a doable job for a home mechanic? Reason I ask is because whenever I turn the wheel I hear a clunking/creaking and also when I am driving, if I go on/off the throttle, I can hear the same clunking which leads me to believe its something to do with suspension. I saw the motovate install, just need some first hand comments on it. Thanks

 

My strut bearings are going out, and it's a screaching groaning sound when you turn tight(like in a parking lot).

 

Anyone else?

 

i hear creaking but only when my car is cold....coming from the passenger front suspension....not sure if it is strut bearing....no sound from any of the other sides! anyway....doesn't seem to be important, cause my performance doesn't seem to be any different....so they serve no purpose....goes away when my car has been driven for 5 min anyway...

 

when they finally go out and become squashed like a pancake you will notice some hollow clunking and maybe a little suspension play.

 

Yeah those symptoms sound like a worn bearing. I actually shredded mine to bits and didn't realize it.

I have one extra good bearing for sale if anybody needs. PM me.

 

Strut bearing noise is a creaking, clunking noise originating from the front end
suspension near the bottom of the springs, very noticeable when turning the steering wheel while parked. Parts are cheap $30 each side, labour is about one hour.Make sure you buy original Nissan parts when purchasing..As far as doing it yourself you would need the right equiqment, you would be better off paying your local mechanic.

 

Its a DIY job, all it is, is a washer type bearing that sits on top of the spring mount. Jack up your car, remove the wheel, undo the 2 lower strut bolts, undo the 3 upper strut bolts, pull out the assembly, replace the bearing and bolt it back in.

 

It helps if you have someone to help you.

For instance, when you're removing the strut it helps if someone is pushing down on the front axle with their foot to give you room.

Also unless you have a vice you need someone to hold the strut up while you loosen the bolt at the top.

BTW bejay you have PM.

 

well mine doesn't creak or squeak while turning the wheel, just while creaks while cold like the 1st 5 min of driving or so (coming from passenger front only)

 

definately a clunking you can feel right through your steering a feel sometimes when turning the wheel with a lot of resistance (low speed parking,etc). i removed my struts and gave them to a mechanic friend to do (bought the bearing at nissan). compressing springs is dangerous stuff, be careful if you do it yourself!

 

by the way, i did one only to figure out that the other one was also bad, just not as noisy. so dont be suprised if you need both.

here's a good tip. put your hood up and have a friend drive slowly back and forth while cranking the wheel back and forth. put your finger tips on the top of the strut and walk with the car. if the bearing is bad, you'll feel it popping very easily and with no doubts!

 

yeah mine was going bad i just realized it after i but on my springs and struts. after that it started getting really loud and it doesnt hold the strut properly. i ended up goin to napa and getting a replacement for $66.

 

Quick questions....does a bad strut bearing cause creaking as well? And would I have to get an alignment after replacing them?

 

1 more quick question, does strut bearing come with the strut mount or is it a piece outside of it?

 

PoePoe - yes to both your questions.

Bluflame - the strut bearing is a seperate part from the strut mount.

 

that doesnt sound like a bad bearing. maybe timing chain and/or cover?

 

Ok guys, thanks for all your help....lookslike its definatly the strut bearings then. Its gunna set me back money-wise a little but maybe Ill blame it on a pothole and have the town pay for it we'll see, thanks again

 

I'm not all that sure it is the strut bearings. I have the same exact noise on my '98SE. Been checking everything for about a week, and nothing looks worn or gone. It sounds like a spring creaking, on the front passenger side, usually when driving on rough road. It's been driving me absolutely nuts. There has been no noticeable difference in suspension performance. The clincher is that it comes and goes, and varies in intensity, from bearable to unbearable.

 

my strut bearings are gone.. when i turn the wheel left at low speeds i hear clicking sounds.. it comes from the bearing tryign to turn but not being able to because its broken.. but when u turn the wheel enough, it just kinda forces it to move.

plastic onces at dealer at 30-35 bucks.

ive heard of higher quality aluminum or metal ones.. never seen them or have a price quote..and search is down.

 

Quick question, in a stand still at park with my hood open, when I turn the steering wheel left to right in a continuous motion, you cann see the nut on top of the stut (center most nut) move around. (happens for bith sides) Small bumps at mderate seeds causes a creaking popping noise, will replacing either the Strut Mount or Strut Bearing on both sides work?

 

so how much would this cost to have mechanic do this including the parts? anyone had it done before....if they have done it themselves, any tips? yeah my passenger side makes and annoying creaking noise, which comes and goes....like from the suspension....weird, but I think my bearings are going cause I hear a thunk after letting my car sit all night then backing out of my spot and turning the wheel...one loud pop, or pow...only happens once...only when my car has been sitting for quite some time in one spot.....then at low speeds or sitting still, when I turn my wheel, the first initial turn in either direction results in a quiet ping sound, but doesn't continue until i choose to turn my wheel in the other direction...

 

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